Look for Less: Elizabeth & James Bell Skirt
July 8, 2009 by Erin Balser
I know I’ve been doing a lot of these posts lately, but I’m trying to make up for the slow Olsen news!
I love this flirty Bell skirt from the Elizabeth and James Spring 2009 collection. It’s perfect for the summer!
However, it’s still a bit pricey for my wallet. Even on sale for $150, as it is at Ivy Blue, it’s too high for me.

Luckily, Forever 21 has a very similar skirt. Their Rose Garden Skirt has the same high waist, a similar print and bell shape.

The hem is a bit softer, but at 1/10 the price, I can deal! It’s only $17.80 and you can order it here.
Images: Ivy Blue | Forever 21
Hayden Panettiere in Elizabeth and James
July 8, 2009 by Erin Balser
Hayden Panettiere was on It’s On with Alexa Chung, MTV’s newest talk show, to promote her upcoming film I Love You, Beth Cooper. The movie is about what happens when the biggest nerd in school declares his love for the most popular girl in school (Beth Cooper, played by Hayden) at their high school graduation. It turns into a night they’ll never forget.

The movie is based on the book of the same name by former Simpsons writer Larry Doyle. It’s a really funny book, so I’m looking forward to seeing the movie!
Hayden looked great in what is a Fall 2009 Elizabeth and James puff-sleeve mini-dress. It’s not yet available in stores, but Hayden looks so great in it, I might save up and snag this look for myself. She paired it with Guisepe Zanotti booties and a purple Nancy Gonzalez clutch.
I love this look!
Image: Splash News Online
Look for Less: Elizabeth and James Oasis Jumpsuit
July 7, 2009 by Erin Balser
I love the luxurious ease of the Elizabeth and James Oasis jumpsuit. It’s certainly a look that’s not for everyone, but on the right person, it would be a headturner!
Unfortunately, it’s pretty pricey at $425 through ShopBop.

Luckily, Free People has a jumpsuit that’s very similar! It has the same halter top and wide leg bottom. It’s a bit sexier in the front and back than the Elizabeth and James one, as the v-neck is quite deep and the back is a bit lower. However, I think this adds a more youthful vibe to the overall look.

The Free People jumpsuit is $88 through Bloomingdale’s.
Images: ShopBop | Bloomingdale’s
Look for Less: Elizabeth and James “James” Blazer
July 5, 2009 by Erin Balser
One of the reasons I like Elizabeth and James so much is how nicely it mixes masculine and feminine elements. I’ve been a huge fan f the boyfriend blazer and love MK and Ashley’s take on it with the James Blazer. This linen jacket’s one button detail and peak lapel make it sexy, comfortable and cool.
It’s available through Bloomingdale’s for $395.00.

A cheaper alternative is the Cheap Monday Oversized Linen Jacket from Urban Outfitters. It’s also made of linen and also has the one button detail. It’s missing the peak lapel and the three-quarter sleeves, but roll them up and you’re good to go!

The Cheap Monday blazer is currently on sale for $99.99.
Images: Bloomingdale’s | Urban Outfitters
Look for Less: Elizabeth & James Plaid
July 4, 2009 by Erin Balser
I must say, I love, love, love Mary-Kate and Ashley’s Elizabeth and James line. I want almost every single piece I come across. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too expensive for my tastes. While I’ll save up for a special piece or two, I’ll put most of my efforts into finding cheaper knock-offs so I can get the same great look that’s easier on my wallet.
One of my favorite tops from Elizabeth and James is the Plaid Back Button Roll Sleeve Shirt. It’s an exclusive at Nordstrom and ha this great feature with buttons at the back so you can make the shirt tighter or more roomy as you see fit!

The price tag? A big $195. If you want to shell out the big bucks, you can buy it here.
Thankfully, Delia’s has an almost identical option! It’s a similar cut and plaid pattern. It doesn’t have the cool buttons at the back to customize the look, but at the lower price point, it doesn’t really matter!

The Delia’s Leah Plaid shirt can be ordered online for $34.50.
Lauren Conrad in Elizabeth & James
July 2, 2009 by Erin Balser
Lauren Conrad had the cutest style during her two week book tour in June. On June 19th, when she did a signing at the Barnes & Noble in New York for her book L.A. Candy, she donned the Elizabeth and James Bubble shorts. They perfectly blend summer casual with more formal flair for perfect daytime event wear.

You can get the same shorts as Lauren for $245 from Chick Downtown. You can dress them up with a loose top and heels, like Lauren, or down with sandals and a flowy tunic.

If you don’t have a best selling book like Lauren and want to save some cash, a cheaper alternative are the cuffed shorts at Forever 21. They’re much easier on the wallet for only $14.80.
Images: Newscom | Chick Downtown
Look for Less: Ashley Olsen in Paris
July 1, 2009 by Erin Balser
I can’t post photos of Ashley’s MK-inspired casual look she sported in Paris a few days ago (you can see photos at PopSugar), but I thought I’d put the look together anyway!

Here’s how you can get the look for less!
This look is all about layering for Ashley. Start with some easy khakis, like the Drawstring Linen Pant from Forever 21 ($15.80). Add a lacy camisole like this one from Kohl’s ($8.99). Add a loose white tank like the Burnout Tank from Forever 21 ($8.80), and a polka dotted sweater like this hoodie from American Apparel ($44.00).
Slip on some penny loafers, I like this Steve Madden pair from Endless ($42.90), add a simple necklace like the Jewel Ball necklace from Forever 21 ($5.80), some sunglasses like this pair from Forever 21 ($5.80) and a bright purple bag like the Mossimo Supply Co. Suede Drawstring Tote from Target ($6.98).
Now you’ll be ready to tour Paris like a pro!
Elizabeth & James Do Jumpsuits
June 28, 2009 by Erin Balser
Jumpsuits are currently one of the hottest trends in fashion. It makes sense that Mary-Kate and Ashley - two of the trendiest gals in town - would make sure that their latest collection featured a jumpsuit of two! The Elizabeth and James pre-fall collection is now available to shop online and it has three very different jumpsuits you can choose from. They can take you from xxx to a evening cocktail party, our girls have you covered!
Picnic Romper
This playsuit is perfect for a casual summer day with your friends, whether you’re hitting the mall or spending a lazy day at the park. It would look especially great with a pair of gladiator sandals.

This look can be yours for $325 through ShopBop.
Summer Romper
This dressier Summer Romper makes a great alternative to a dress for a summer cocktail party. Have a dinner invitations in the Hamptons? Wear this! I’d pair it with strappy heels and minimal jewelry and let this statement look shine.

This look can be yours for $325 from ShopBop.
Oasis Jumpsuit
This oasis jumpsuit is the most daring piece of all. I can just see it on any one of the Real Housewives of New York as they host a summer shindig in their Hamptons backyard. This more sophisticated look goes from day to night with ease.

This look can be yours for $425 from ShopBop.
I think the second one is my favorite, as it’s youthful and versatile. Which one do you like best?
Mary-Kate and Ashley are on Glamour UK’s Best Dressed List
June 25, 2009 by Erin Balser
The May 2009 issue of Glamour UK listed their top 50 best dressed celebrities of 2009. Both Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen made the list, with MK coming in at #30 and Ashley just edging out her sister at #26.
You can see the spread of the girls in the magazine at Olsen Pap World. Every person who made the list was accompanied by a quote from a famous person in fashion. Giambattista Valli had the following to say about Mary-Kate:
Mary-Kate has an innate sense of style that follows no rules. Her personal style surpasses fashion.
Glamour asked Sarah Tomczak, their entertainment editor, to comment on Ashley’s style. She said:
She’s not as quirky as her sister, which makes her chic, easy style even more covetable.
So who did Glamour think were the most stylish stars of the year? Cheryl Cole won the coveted top spot this year, beating out last year’s number one, Kate Moss. Victoria Beckham came in at number three. Rounding out the top ten were MTV host Alexa Chung (#4), Gossip Girl star Blake Lively (#5), “I Kissed a Girl” singer Katy Perry (#6), model Agyness Deyn (#7), Katie Holmes (#8), Rihanna (#9), and Rachel Bilson (#10).
Who is your best dressed celeb of the year?
Image: Newscom
Look for Less: Elizabeth & James Knuckle Ring
June 21, 2009 by Erin Balser
I’ve been obsessed with the Elizabeth & James knuckle ring ever since Mary-Kate and Ashley’s jewelry line came out. But at $195, it’s just a bit too pricey for my tastes. Thankfully, Trend to Go has a nearly identical ring for a quarter of the price! Thanks to Chic Intuition for finding this prize, I’ve been hunting for months!

The original Elizabeth & James ring (left) is available at Bloomingdale’s. The Trend to Go knock-off (left) can be ordered through their website for only $45.95.
Via: Chic Intuition


